Police seek suspect involved in pepper spray incident at Pine Centre…

PRINCE GEORGE, BC: Police are looking for the suspect in a recent pepper spray incident at Pine Centre Mall on Monday…

Police say just before noon on April 12, 2021, RCMP received multiple calls of a bear spray incident inside at Pine Centre.

Frontline members attended the area and spoke with the two youth victims. They stated that a male wearing a balaclava and baseball hat came up to where their group was standing inside the shopping centre. He then shouted to get their attention and sprayed bear spray into the group, catching two of the youth directly. The victims did not know the identity of the suspect nor have any idea who would have done it. The suspect ran from the group and CCTV from the shopping centre shows him getting into a silver, 4-door sedan.

Police describe the suspect as:

• 152 -157 cm tall (5’ – 5’2”)
• Slim build
• White hoodie
• Black and grey sweatshirt
• Blue jeans
• Bright white shoes
• Tan balaclava
• Baseball hat

At this time officers are asking that anyone with information regarding this incident please call the non-emergency line at 250-561-3300 to speak with police.

Emergency Health Services checked the two youth victims at the scene and released them to their parents’ care.

OC spray, also known as bear spray or pepper spray, stands for Oleoresin Capsicum spray. The active ingredient in OC spray is capsaicin, the same chemical that accounts for the heat in chili peppers. OC spray is a lachrymator, which causes the eyes to produce tears. Other physical effects include burning sensation in the eyes, nose and skin; a runny nose; and coughing or shortness of breath.

“The effects of OC spray are temporary and you can help reduce the effects by running water over the area for a prolonged period. Mild dish soap or shampoo can also help rid the skin or hair of the oil that contains the capsaicin,” states Cst. Jennifer Cooper of the Prince George RCMP.

If you have any information about this or any other criminal offence, please contact the Prince George RCMP at (250)561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-8477.